Complains or Complaints? The Correct Word Explained Simply

Complains is a verb (to express dissatisfaction), while complaints is a noun (the issues being reported).

English learners and even fluent speakers often pause when choosing between complains and complaints. They look similar, sound related, and appear in the same situations—emails, customer service messages, school notices, or news reports. This confusion is exactly why people search for “complains or complaints”. They want a fast, clear answer without grammar jargon.

The problem is simple: both words come from the same root (complain), but they do different jobs in a sentence. One is an action, the other is a thing. Mixing them up can make writing sound unprofessional or unclear, especially in formal or official contexts.

Here’s the helpful hint upfront: “complains” is a verb, while “complaints” is a noun. Once you understand this small difference, the confusion disappears completely. This guide will give you a quick answer, clear examples, UK vs US usage, common mistakes, and real-life examples—so you’ll never hesitate again.

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Complains or Complaints – Quick Answer

Complains is a verb. It describes an action.
Complaints is a noun. It refers to the issue or problem itself.

Examples:

• She complains about the noise every night. ✅
• The office received several complaints about the noise. ✅

If someone is doing something → use complains
If you are talking about the problem → use complaints

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The Origin of Complains or Complaints

Both words come from the Old French complaindre, meaning to express grief or dissatisfaction. This, in turn, comes from the Latin complangere (to lament).

Over time:

• Complain stayed as a verb (to express dissatisfaction).
• Complaint developed as a noun (the expression itself).

The added -s in complains shows tense or subject (he/she complains).
The -s in complaints shows plural form, not tense.
That’s why spelling looks similar but meaning changes.

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British English vs American English Spelling

There is no spelling difference between British and American English for these words. The confusion is grammatical, not regional.

Comparison Table

Aspect	Complains	Complaints
Part of speech	Verb	Noun
UK spelling	Complains	Complaints
US spelling	Complains	Complaints
Refers to	Action	Issue / problem
Example	He complains often	Many complaints arrived

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Which Spelling Should You Use?

Use complains if:

• You are describing what someone does
• You need a verb in the sentence

Use complaints if:

• You are naming problems or reports
• You are writing formally (letters, reports, notices)

Audience advice:

• US audience: Same rules apply
• UK / Commonwealth: Same usage
• Global English: Choose based on grammar, not region

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Common Mistakes with Complains or Complaints

❌ She has many complains.
✅ She has many complaints.

❌ He complaints about the service.
✅ He complains about the service.

❌ Please submit your complain.
✅ Please submit your complaint.

Tip:
If you can add many before it, use complaints.

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Complains or Complaints in Everyday Examples

Emails:

• The customer complains about late delivery.
• We received three complaints today.

News:

• Residents complain about water shortages.
• Authorities are reviewing public complaints.

Social Media:

• He always complains online.
• Too many complaints on this post!

Formal Writing:

• The committee addresses all complaints seriously.

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Complains or Complaints – Google Trends & Usage Data

Search data shows:

• “Complaints” is searched more often globally
• Common in legal, business, and customer service contexts
• “Complains” appears more in grammar checks and ESL queries

People usually search this keyword when writing formal messages and want to avoid mistakes.

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Complains vs Complaints – Quick Comparison Table

Word	Type	Meaning	Example
Complains	Verb	Expresses dissatisfaction	She complains daily
Complaints	Noun	The issues raised	Several complaints filed

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FAQs: Complains or Complaints

1. Is “complains” plural?
No. It is a verb form, not a plural noun.

2. Can I say “many complains”?
No. Use many complaints.

3. Which word is more formal?
Complaints is more common in formal writing.

4. Do British and American English differ here?
No. Both use the same spelling and rules.

5. What is the singular of complaints?
Complaint.

6. Is “complain” a noun?
No. The noun form is complaint.

7. Which word is better for official letters?
Complaints.

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Conclusion

The difference between complains and complaints is simple once you see it clearly. Complains is a verb—it shows action. Complaints is a noun—it names the problem. There is no US vs UK spelling issue here, only grammar. If someone is doing something, choose complains. If you are talking about issues or reports, choose complaints.

This distinction matters in emails, reports, school notices, and professional writing. Using the wrong word can confuse readers or make your message sound incorrect. With the examples, tables, and tips in this guide, you now have a quick answer and a deep understanding. Remember: action equals complains, issues equal complaints—and you’ll always be right.

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